You must submit the required documents listed in “How to Apply” to Loyola University Maryland for admission and immigration purposes.  Once Loyola has received all of your documents, your application will go through the Admissions Office.  Once you have been officially admitted, your file will go to the International Student Services and will be processed for your Form I-20.  The Form I-20 is required in order for you to be able to apply for your F-1 student visa with the United States.  The admission and immigration process generally takes 4-6 weeks from the receipt of your completed application. 

Once the I-20 is processed, we will send you an acceptance letter from Loyola along with your Form I-20 and instructions on what to do next.  We will be sending the information to the address that you provide on your application cover sheet, so please be sure that it will be accessible to you.

Upon receipt of the Form I-20, you will need to make an appointment with your local US Consulate to apply for your F-1 student visa. You will also need to pay a $100 SEVIS fee at least 3 business days prior to your visa appointment.  SEVIS is a web-based technology system used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a database of international students and scholars, as well as their dependents, while in the United States.  There will be more information on this in your acceptance packet.

Once you have your visa, you will be permitted to enter the US for your semester at Loyola up to 30 days from the start date listed on your Form I-20.  However, please note that there is a designated arrival date each semester roughly one week prior to the start date of classes (see the Exchange Student Calendar).  All exchange students at Loyola University Maryland are required to report to campus by the first Friday of classes, or else you will not be allowed to participate in the exchange. 

Part of your orientation during your first days at Loyola will include an overview from our International Student Services office on your immigration status and the rules that apply.  For more information on the immigration process prior to your arrival, please contact Sunanda Bhatia.